Sesh is a data manager at IONN Corporation. He logs in like he does every day, unaware that behind the scenes, cybercriminals are stealing his session. They’re silently impersonating him, bypassing his company’s defenses, and slipping through security unnoticed.
The next big malicious thing
Malicious actors no longer need to steal passwords to access your accounts. Instead, they target session cookies or tokens—the very things that keep you logged in. Once they grab those, they can take over your session without even needing to log in.
Bypassing defenses
Even though Sesh’s company has deployed multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strong passwords, the attackers don’t need to break through them. They simply bypass these defenses by hijacking active sessions, slipping under the radar as if they were Sesh himself.
Pick your poison
Cybercriminals are using two main techniques to steal session tokens: Attack in the Middle (AitM) and Browser in the Middle (BitM). These advanced phishing attacks trick users into completing the login process and then steal session tokens, cookies, and passwords, giving the attacker full access to the account.
Be no Sesh
As attacks evolve, traditional security measures like **Endpoint Detection Response (EDR)** are no longer foolproof. Organizations need to adopt advanced detection methods that flag when session cookies are being used from different locations or devices, and **passkeys** can offer a phishing-resistant layer of protection. So, how can you prevent your company from falling into the same trap as Sesh?
1. Enable Passkeys. “Passkeys” are a more secure alternative to passwords and MFA, designed to resist phishing attacks like AitM and BitM. While they may not stop every attack, particularly those involving session hijacking, they help prevent the initial compromise by ensuring attackers can’t easily steal login credentials.
2. Browser-Based Detection. Implement browser-level defenses that detect when “session tokens” are being used from a different device or browser. A tool like “Push Security” can inject unique markers into the user’s browser, making it easier to flag unauthorized access when attackers try to hijack sessions from other locations.
3. Strict Session Management. Shorten the lifespan of session cookies and enforce “session expiration policies”. By doing this, you limit the time attackers have to use stolen session tokens. Ideally, require reauthentication after a set time or when the session token is being used from an unknown IP address.
4. Layered Identity Access Controls. Go beyond basic MFA and adopt “identity-based security” that applies access control based on user behavior. “Zero Trust” frameworks that continuously monitor user actions and devices can detect unusual behavior that signals a session hijack.
5. Endpoint Security. While “EDR” tools alone are no longer enough, they remain critical in detecting “infostealer malware”—one of the key tools attackers use to grab session tokens. Make sure your EDR system is updated to catch the latest strains of malware.
6. Educate Users. Even the most advanced technology can fail if users are tricked into handing over their credentials. Train your employees to spot phishing attempts and educate them on the risks of session hijacking, including how AitM and BitM work.
7. Monitor for Infostealers. Many “session hijacking” incidents come from infected personal devices. Use advanced monitoring tools to detect malware like “infostealers” that target browser data and session cookies, especially on unmanaged or personal devices that employees may use for work.
8. Advanced Access Restriction Policies. Strengthen app-level restrictions by locking down access based on specific **IP addresses** or requiring **multi-factor authentication** if a session seems suspicious. Implementing strict controls in apps like **M365** or **Okta** can help detect unauthorized access attempts from unknown devices.
.
Comments